we spent more time in Raleigh than expected so just got to dickerson and scrapyard. We planned elon x2 and bailey road. i have previously played a few others.

Dickerson??? Of all the courses you could play in the Charlotte area, you wasted time to play a round there? Even if you were just wanting to stay close to the Scrapyard; Eastway, Kilborne, Reedy, Squirrel Lake or even Mint Hill would have all been far and away better than Dickerson.

So last year in California, due to my vacation schedule with work and in finding the cheapest travel, I was only to play one Worlds course - UCSMB. (The Oaks) While this is a fine course for recreational play, it was one of the worst Worlds courses I've ever seen. Fortunately, I had previously played the world-reknowned DeLaveaga course, but in talking with competitors and fellow staff, I really missed out not being able to play the awesome Ryan Ranch or Pinto Lake courses. At least I got to walk some of the Pinto Lake course during Finals that Saturday.

This year, the challenge is daunting: there are fourteen courses in the Charlotte area being used for competition. I have the advantage of having previously played Hornet's Nest and Kilborne Park, but I'm going to need to make some tough decisions about which courses to check out in the very limited time I have before competition starts. Renaissance Park is absolutely the first priority - it's been a gaping hole in my course resume for many years. Of the remaining courses, in what "must-play" order would you rank the remaining courses? My criteria are primarily challenge, beauty, & diversity, and I'm also favoring the courses which the Open and Pro Masters players will compete on.

So, Charlotte locals: while it's extremely doubtful that I'll have time to get through even four of the above seven courses, would you agree with those rankings? Is there something about the Winget Plantation, Sugaw Creek, Elon Eager Beaver, Bailey Road or Reedy Creek courses which are must-plays and I'd be absolutely foolish to miss?